YOO SEUNG JUN: The artist speaks out on social media after learning about the “Pardon” request

Shawn 13 August 2025 3 min read

Singer YOO SEUNG JUN (Steve Yoo) stated that he does not want to be pardoned.

On August 13, YOO SEUNG JUN shared screenshots of articles about a potential pardon on his Instagram, writing:

“I never asked for a pardon, and I don’t even know who submitted this statement or where it came from. Even the official fan club says it’s not their position and that they know nothing about it. Am I supposed to go through these inconveniences because of a statement submitted by someone who doesn’t even know me?“ — expressing his discomfort.

He added: “Some people seem to have nothing else on their minds but to misinterpret things, but I have not the slightest intention of making money in Korea. I think they believe someone is waiting with a stack of cash if I come. I have no intention of receiving any benefits, nor do I want them.”

He explained that he only wants to return to Korea to restore his honor, adding:

“I deeply regret being involved in this kind of issue. The law must be equal for everyone, and there should be no unfairness.”

On August 9, on the DC Inside YOO SEUNG JUN Gallery community, internet users referenced presidential pardons given to politicians and argued that YOO SEUNG JUN should also be granted one.

YOO SEUNG JUN (Steve Yoo) debuted in 1997 as a solo singer and gained huge popularity with hits like “가위,” “Na Na Na,” “Passion,” and “Wish you could find,” earning immense public love. In January 2002, while having received a notice for military reserve service, he went abroad for a tour and obtained U.S. citizenship, leading to accusations of evading military duty. As a result, he was banned from entering South Korea under Article 11-1 of the Immigration Control Act. Except for a temporary visit in 2003 for his father-in-law’s funeral, he was unable to return to Korea for over 20 years.

In August 2015, at age 38, the end of his military obligation, YOO SEUNG JUN applied for an F-4 visa for overseas Koreans. The visa was denied, prompting him to file his first lawsuit to overturn the refusal. He lost in the first and second instances but won in the Supreme Court.

However, the Los Angeles Consulate General once again refused to issue him a visa. He filed a second lawsuit in October 2020. The first trial ruled in favor of the consulate, while the second favored YOO SEUNG JUN. In November 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the second-instance ruling, canceling the visa denial and ordering a re-examination.

Despite this, in June of last year, the Los Angeles Consulate again refused to issue a visa. In September, YOO SEUNG JUN filed a third lawsuit against the consulate to cancel the refusal, as well as an action against the Ministry of Justice to verify the nonexistence of an entry ban decision.